Making Spirits Bright: British Isles Billionaires, Book 3

British Isles Billionaires #3

by Aven Ellis

It's Christmas time in London! Bring on the lights twinkling along Regent Street, the Christmas tree in Covent Garden, mince pies and boozy hot chocolate—and one drop-dead gorgeous Scottish billionaire to go with it all, please . . .

Aoife O'Sullivan is eager to see what this December will bring. She's determined to let go of the heartache of the past year and move forward. To find her spirit, Aoife decides to create a bucket list of festive sights to see in London to celebrate her first Christmas in the city.

Aoife's world, however, is turned upside down when Santa brings her something Scottish and sexy in the form of her ex. As soon as Aoife sees Jack MacInally, she knows she's not over him. Both made serious mistakes, leading to their messy breakup. When Jack suggests taking the month of December—all thirty-one days—to start afresh, Aoife leaps at the chance to be with the man she has always loved.

Yet as they try to rekindle their romance, their past problems threaten to snuff it out. Will each of them be able to let go of their guilt and truly move forward? Will the gift of a second chance romance be something magical—or will this present end up returned to sender?

Genres: Romance, Christmas, Contemporary, Second Chance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Holiday

Audible Audio

First published December 20, 2021

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Aven Ellis began her publishing career in 2013 with her debut release, Connectivity. She currently writes romantic comedies featuring royals, billionaires, aristocrats, and athletes.

Her books are designed to make readers laugh out loud and fall in love. Happily-ever-after endings and good-boy heroes are guaranteed.

Aven lives in the Dallas area with her family. Aven loves shopping and fashion and can spend hours playing with fragrances in any department store. She can be found chatting it up on social media, eating speciality M&Ms, and crushing on the latest outfit the Duchess of Cambridge is wearing.

Reviews

[Tricia Van Handel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Spirits Bright
I read an advanced copy by Aven Ellis. Jack and Aoife's story is a great Christmas read. It's a perfect blend of girl meets boy, girl is disillusioned and walks away only to reconnect. When it seems all odds are against them because of past mistakes, they finally can overcome the pain, while enjoying the sights and sounds of Christmas in Edinburgh, Scotland and London, England! Aven writes allowing you to picture yourself as the character, experiencing what she sees!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perfect to put you in the Christmas spirit- and make you want to travel to London and Edinburgh. I'm now convinced that I need a Christmas Bucket List, and may start exploring the world of vlogging.

The seeds for this book were planted in Connectivity 2.0, and I've been anxiously awaiting it since I finished that one. I adore that Aven's book are interconnected, and I always finish one book dying for the next one. (Mr. Chairman, I'm talking to you!)

Aiofe and Jack's second chance story is incredible. Aven's characters are beautifully written and so relatable. I love that she digs into how a relationship impacts the world around you. I also loved my education about Scottish and Irish slang... Aven does nothing halfway, and I learned all sorts of new things. Just when I thought I had a favorite secondary character, I met Flora, and am convinced everyone needs a Flora.

This book is happy, real, full of Christmas cheer, and everything you want in a book.
Note- I recieved an ARC for my honest review.

[Berni Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Spirits Bright is a perfect holiday read by Aven Ellis. You have the magic of Aiofe (pronounced Ee-fa) and Jack’s second chance love story with the backdrop of London and Edinburgh. Forgiveness and realizing that everything is not always black and white are the themes that carry the storyline throughout the book. You experience a winter wonderland through their eyes. It is so beautifully written that you can feel the chill of the night and the love between the characters. While Aven’s books can be read as stand-alone stories, do yourself a favor and read them all. Many characters cross over and you do not want to miss a single romance between anyone!
I received an ARC for my review.

[Kelly (kelsreads.andotherthings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very few, if any, can write a holiday romance like Aven Ellis! Prepare to be transported to London and Edinburg for the holidays to witness one of the sweetest second chance romances I have ever read!

Aoife and Jack have a history of mistrust and heartbreak; however, each of them continues to hold on to the love they once had for each other. With a little help from some friends (and past Connectivity characters) Aoife and Jack are reunited at a holiday party and feelings are rekindled. Making Spirits Bright is the story of a spirited Aoife, a swoon-worthy Jack, and a journey back to each other filled with tasty treats, holiday lights, and the vividly described sights of London and Edinburg.

I loved this second chance romance. As always, I LOVED the setting detail! Aven’s descriptions makes the reader feel as if they have been dropped directly into London during the holidays! You get the sense you are sitting on the street, watching these two fall in love again, up close, in real time. Aven always makes you feel you are in the moment with her characters, rather than simply reading about their story. I've been waiting for Aoife's story since Connectivity 2.0 and it did not disappoint! It was nice to see Aoife’s character soften and really open herself up to love again with Jack. Also, getting to know Jack throughout this book makes it evident why Aoife was unable to fully let go! Aven's writing gives the reader personal insight into each character’s thoughts and feelings regarding one another's mistakes. This insight draws you in to the story and has you rooting for Aoife and Jack through all their ups and downs. This book had some unexpected drama toward the end that had me speed reading to see how it turned out! As always, I really enjoyed Aven's writing and storytelling! This is such a sweet holiday read! You don't want to miss it!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would you break up with a handsome, funny, sexy guy you met in a bar if you found out he wasn’t whom you thought he was? What if you found out he was handsome, funny, sexy, AND the heir to a fortune worth billions? Aoife (pronounced Ee-fa) is kicking herself for doing just that…for breaking up with Jack, the one man whom she’d ever truly loved. And just when she’s finally given the chance to tell him she’s sorry, she’s instead given a second chance at love.

Making Spirits Bright is a story of forgiveness; of love; of the beauty of Christmas and the joy of overcoming obstacles as a team. It’s the story of friendship and fighting for what you want. Making Spirits Bright is a story that you won’t want to put down until the last word is read and until you’ve had a chance to spend Christmas in London and Edinburgh with Jack and Aoife.

If you love this story, which you will, you absolutely have to read all of the other books in the Avenverse (there are several series). They are so good!

I was given an ARC copy for my honest review.

[Mandi Blandford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say this may be one of the best Christmas romances that I've ever had the pleasure of reading! I've been struggling with feeling the season, but the moment I started reading this amazing story about Jack and Aoife (Ee-Fa), the Christmas spirit bloomed inside me.

This is an amazing story of forgiveness and love around the best time of year. You will laugh - a lot, you'll cry at the raw relatable emotions, and you'll meet new friends while reading this book.

Jack and Aoife grow thoughout the story as individutals and as a couple, as the book goes on, learning that love isn't something that just disappears. The discriptions of Christmas through out London and Edinburgh are enough to make me want to book a trip for the holidays next year just to see them in person with the one I love!

If you're looking for a holiday romance that will leave you with a smile on your face, this is the book for you.

***I received a free ARC from the author, but my opinions are my own.***

[Kierstin Carnahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Spirits Bright might be one of my top favorite stories Aven's written! It's perfect for Christmas time. This story features Jack and Aoife in the UK at Christmas time. Aoife and Jack have a history and had a bad breakup about a year ago but when they're friends invite them both to a party, they reconnect and pick up where they left off. I loved how immersive the story was into the setting and culture of London, Dublin, and Scottland. I also loved the history between Aoife and Jack and how they built on it. Also, this might have been one of Aven's steamiest books yet 🔥

Make your spirits a little brighter this holiday season by picking up Making Spirits Bright when it's out December 22! Thank you Aven Ellis for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[SueAnn McKnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aven Ellis creates Christmas magic with this book. Aiofe (pronounced Ee-fa) and Jack’s love story is all about forgiveness for a past lie and the realization that the world is not just black and white. I loved reading about different Christmas experiences in London and Edinburgh. I also liked how Aiofe’s profession is a big part of story. While all of Aven’s books can be read as stand-alone stories, I love that so many characters in the Avenverse make appearances or are mentioned with this story.

I received an arc for my review.

[Krystyl Nottage · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a charming, laugh out loud, romantic book to get you in the Festive Spirit. This is the book for you. I’m fairly new to the Aven Ellisverse but each book becomes my new favorite. I laughed out loud so many times. Aven writes strong women who aren’t afraid to be themselves while also pursuing love and I love that about her books.

This book does not disappoint and quickly become my new favorite. I received an ARC copy for my review.

[Emma Star Crossed Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Star Crossed Reviews I received this book for free from the Author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am so very excited to be writing this review. Christmas is my favourite time of the year. I love the lights, the food, the music, the drinks (both alcoholic and non). I love that most people are generally in a nicer mood around this time of year. But the thing I love the most? CHRISTMAS BOOKS! So when my favourite author told me that she was going to write a Christmas book well I was beyond excited!

This is the third book in the Billionaires series but you can read this as a standalone as each book follows a different couple. In this book, we are following Aoife (pronounced Eefa) and Jack. Aoife and Jack dated for 2 months at the end of last year. When they meet again this Christmas they both know that there's still something there between them. Jack has more trepidation about rekindling their love than Aoife. Aoife and Jack are one of my new favourite couples. I love Jack's sexy accent, his work ethic and his bravery. Aoife is also brave, independent and determined.

Flora, Jack's grandmother, is an excellent character and I hope we get to see her again! It was also a delight to see the other couples from the first 2 books in this one. If you have read these books then you know that there's a theme of matchmaking from the previous couples which I LOVE!

This book had it all! The humour, the romance and ALL THE FEELS. For those Christmas fans out there it also had not only Christmas in London but also in Edinburgh. Aoife and Jack get to spend time in both cities enjoying all they have to offer for the festive season. If you haven't seen either of these cities at Christmas time then you'll be dying to after reading this book. I loved Christmas in London! I usually go around this time of year but I haven't been for a few years so it was lovely to feel like I was right there. I've only been to Edinburgh in the summer but now I definitely want to go at Christmas.

The final thing I have to say about this book is that I am now DYING for the next book in this series. I am desperate for Mr Chairman and I challenge you not to be too!

[Liz Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aoife and Jack’s story is an absolute delight. As she always does, author Aven Ellis has done her research and created a lovely HEA with details galore that made me feel like I was right there exploring London, Edinburgh, Dublin, forgiveness and LOVE with the couple. I loved loved loved this story and can’t wait to hear more about Aoife and Jack in future books. My favorite side character was absolutely Flora, what a strong and lovable matriarch. Reading Making Spirits Bright around the holidays will have you dreaming of your own favorite Christmas foods and traditions but absolutely a book I’d enjoy just as much any other month of the year. (I received an ARC from the author.)

[Akshatha Iyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big thank you to Aven Ellis for providing an advance copy.

This is my first review on Goodreads and its only befitting that I'm reviewing a book by THE author who introduced me to the romance genre, the one and only Aven Ellis. Her books are truly magical. We all choose books that help us getaway into a make believe world. But her books has such relatable characters. They are flawed and have insecurities like the rest of us, but she weaves magic into them. And while we know that it's not normal for princes who go to a bakery to get their dose of sunshine (Royal Icing), the way Aven writes her books, it's almost possible to believe it will happen. This is why I choose to read what she writes, because she makes us forget about the world outside.

Coming to Making Spirits Bright, it's such a warm read. It gives you the feeling of being wrapped up in your favorite
blanket, wearing fuzzy socks on a cold winter’s day. The story is about second chances. The lead character Aiofe (pronounced Ee-Faa) was introduced in the previous book - Connectivity 2.0. This book is about her journey to reclaim her lost love - Jack (also introduced earlier). It's unfair to categorize this as a holiday book, because it's much more than just Christmas. It's a beautiful story with relatable characters and cameos from our favourites from the older books (If this your first Aven read, I'm jealous because you get to experience the Aven brand of magic). The book is far from the other sappy, pretentious reads that authors churn out in the name of Christmas. Do pick this one up immediately and disappear into the pages while letting Jack and Aiofe fall like snowflakes around you.

[Deepika Rane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was real treat to make my christmas spirit bright. I always fascinated with the architecture history of Scotland castels, I don't know when I am going to get chance to visit one but through your book I lived every festive moment. Also I really liked the way you keep your female characters so motivated with their careers and not to forget our dashing heroes supporting their partners. The more I speak the more I reveal, that's why just wanted all readers to read this beautiful rom-com and make your spirits as bright as Christmas.

Just one last thing.... I found my why for this page through you so keep me always in your mailing list for next books. My focus was to share my free spirit through this page. I read lot I mean really lot but I share only few as I don't get time because of my another work commitments. But because of you apart from my hippie spirit and travel this page is going to get content about books equally. Finding why is really important when you wanted to do things which you love.

Eagerly waiting for Nicole's story we are going to get one soon 🤫

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have spent the better part of 2021 reading through the entire catalog of books in the Avenverse. I had the absolute pleasure of reading an ARC of Making Spirits Bright in exchange for an honest review of the book.

I absolutely love all of Aven's books. Making Spirits Bright is no different. We are diving into Aiofe's second chance with Jack, so we are going in knowing that there is a history between them. This adds a bit of a new twist to the romantic arc of Aven's books. This also takes place during Christmas, and is the perfect holiday read! I loved digging into the couple's past and watching them writing their new present and future, all while checking out the most amazing Christmas sites that London and Edinburgh have to offer. So if you love holiday romances, be sure to add Making Spirits Bright to your reading list.

[Derna · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for your next Christmas, read then look no further as 
Making Spirits Bright (British Isles Billionaires #3) by Aven Ellis is now live. When Aoife O'Sullivan sees her ex Jack MacInally, she knows she still loves him, and Jack feels the same, but after their messy breakup, can they move forward, rekindle their romance.  


Making Spirits Bright was a delightful cute read with just the right touch of emotion, depth and warmth. A story about second chances, understanding, forgiveness, moving forward and learning from past mistakes. Aoife and Jack were perfect for each other. The chemistry between them was hot, and I adored the ending.


I've loved the British Isles Billionaires series, and I eagerly anticipate the next book in the series Nicole and Declan's story! As the snippets in this book tell me, oh my goodness, it's safe to say I'm going to love Declan. 
As the author says in her blurb…..If you like swoony Scottish men, spirited heroines, and the backdrop of Great Britain, you'll want to pick up this hilarious and heartwarming story. 

[Stacy! · Rating 4 out of 5]

I ADORE everything Aven Ellis writes, and this story was no exception. She has done such an incredible job creating these little worlds and allowing us readers to be a part of them. The characters seem so real and tangible, I’m desperate to keep reading for a further window into their lives.

Aoife and Jack’s second chance at love was absolutely swoon-worthy goodness! I wished a few more of the ends were tied up, but I found this story infectious and enchanting and I couldn’t put it down! Having read all of her books, I appreciate all the nods to other books in the Avenverse, and the hints at whose story we’ll get next!

[Jillian Murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Aiofe and Jack and how Aiofe's job was a huge part of the plot and I loved the friends she made through her internship. I love how Aven always describes places so well that you want to go there yourself and how she never spares any little detail from being described. I loved the Christmas magic of this book and how doing Christmas activities played into the plot and I found a contender to dethrone Nana from the Chicago hockey series as best grandmother figure in the Avenverse. I loved Jack's grandmother Flora she was fabulous. If you like your Christmas books with amazing details, great friendships, well handled conflicts and amazing fade to black steam this book is for you!

[Corrinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jack and Aoife (the pronunciation at the beginning was a nice/helpful thing to include) are so fun to read about. Aven Ellis describes her characters and what they are doing in such a way that I can picture them walking down the street or in the pub. If you enjoyed the modern aristocrat books add this to your TBR!

[Chelsea Baute · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Spirits Bright was the perfect Christmas romance. What I liked most about the book was that Aoife and Jack had a history and it wasn’t just an insta-love. Two people get a chance to rediscover their love of one another during the Christmas season. It was warm, fun, and the perfect read for the holidays!

[Debbie Shelkey-Lawson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a selection for our book club and I couldn’t wait to finish it not because I liked the book but because it is so nauseating. The characters are not believable. I had no attachment whatsoever to anyone. Aoife is so annoying with arguing in her head the same ole regret of seeing the world in black and white. It’s crazy how repetitive the story is about keeping the past in the past. I could not believe that a grandmother would say that her grandson’s girlfriend has a “banging” body! Taking pictures in her head for her memory book was repeated as much as “fairy lights “. Ugh

[Stacy McWhorter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is heavy spectacle.
Aven is an amazing writer, who makes these characters come to life by giving them real life issues and drama. I love Aoifee and Jack, their dynamic is truly amazing to read. Aoifee is very relatable with her struggles. She is a very strong character and Jack compliment her completely. This is an amazing Christmas book and has definitely made my Christmas a bit more brighter due to the love I have for these characters.

[Nikki Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful love story and happening during the holiday season makes this book even more unforgettable. I love the way Aven connects her characters to her readers and makes the book impossible to put down. The setting of this story also helps make this book so memorable. Can’t wait for the next Aven book!

[Emily T · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want swoony, holiday magic, then you need this book in your life! It's Aven's amazing writing, coupled with the holidays, gives you a truly magical book! I have been awaiting Jack and Aoife's story since Connectivity 2.0, and it held all the romance and swoons that you come to expect from an Aven Ellis book, plus the added bonus of a second chance romance! I fell in love with Jack and Aoife, and loved getting to experience them falling in love again. I loved the background of London at Christmas, and their story just tugged at my heartstrings!
If you want a feel good, Christmas romance, then be sure to pick this one up! You won't regret it!

[Msb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aven Ellis never fails to write relatable, real characters with personalities that shine and real-life difficulties. Aoife and Jack follow that template.

As the story progresses, the reader can’t help but be empathetic to the struggles do both characters in order to cheer them on and jeer the characters that don’t support them.

The settings are magical and well-researched, making each scene come alive in the reader’s mind.

If I wasn’t already an ARC reader, every book of Aven Ellis’s would be a one click, and to be honest, I usually still buy each book. You can’t go wrong with this one.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aven Ellis always creates these worlds that are pure magic. This book went beyond magic. We could all use a little magic in our worlds and this book was it. This is the story of Aofie and Jack's second chance Christmas romance! The way in which Aven wrote this book I felt like I was there with them watching their epic love story play out.
Aofie was hurt by a pretty big lie Jack had told when they see each other again can she forgive him for the lie? Can he forgive her for not hearing him out? You'll have to read to find out. I will say this is such a magical book that helps transport you to Christmastime in London and Scottland. It's so beautiful and just know that Aven Ellis never lets me down. This is an absolute must read.
I received an arc for my opinion.

[Debbie is on Storygraph · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not the first Aven Ellis I've read, and I've enjoyed a number of her earlier books. So when I say this book was a disappointment, know that I mean it. I just never connected with Aoife, and the longer I spent in her head, the more annoyed I was by her inability to communicate and her shallowness of character. I didn't think she had much more to her personality than her relationship (past and present) with Jack.

The most interesting characters were Jack's grandparents, who did not get nearly enough pagetime. They were lively, fun, and amusing. Instead, we got chapters stuck in Aoife's head of her alternating between angst and saccharine. I wish the book had a lot less introspection.

The book also went to pains to make sure the reader knew it was set in the UK and shoehorned in language differences throughout. It was meant to be a cutsey "isn't the English language cultural barrier fun and interesting!" way but I found it forced and clumsy.

I also thought the ending was way out of left field and was overly dramatic, and resolved the issues between Jack and Aoife a little too neatly.

I received a free copy from the author via a Goodreads giveaway.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are seeking a masterfully written, warm, and cozy holiday-themed romance, than "Making Spirits Bright" is for you. It follows the story of Aoife (which we learn is pronounced as Ee-fah) and her journey to repair her broken heart. There is one person she has never been able to get out of her head, Jack. Everywhere Aoife turns, signs of others in happy relationships follow. Just as she is ready to move on and begin anew, Aoife has a chance encounter with Jack. From there, Aven takes her readers on a whirlwind adventure that does not disappoint. Aven is a genius at weaving together a memorable story and creating such unique characters. Aoife and Jack are no exception. This is perhaps on of my favorite stories she's written and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Five brilliant stars.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe of Aven Ellis’s writing ability. Jack and Aoife are beautifully written. They jump off the page. By the time I’m finished reading, I truly feel like these characters could be my friends. It’s like being asked to finally sit at the cool kids’ table. They are that well thought out. I can always count on not getting anything accomplished when I start a book of Aven’s. I’m also extremely blessed that she gives me advanced copies, although this is most likely for her own sanity! I can’t wait to see what she will dream up next!

[Michelle Ireland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too much repeated inner dialogue from Aiofe. Could have been 100 pages shorter and more depth to both characters. All they were was their relationship and mostly their past relationship. Loved the premise of the book. Could have had more depth and less inner crisis.

[Cary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that the stories continue on. Almost a bit too angsty for me though. Back and forth, beating yourself up for past mistakes wasn’t always enjoyable to be reading. But thankfully there’s a nice HEA.